Poisoning at Sea: Injuries Caused by Chemicals Aboard Danish Merchant Ships 1988–1996

Abstract

Introduction: Injuries involving chemicals occur aboard merchant ships, since such agents are carried commonly on board either as cargo or as needed for running the ship. In case of events involving chemicals, the crew may seek advice from the Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods published by the International Maritime Organization. The Guide is currently under revision. To improve knowledge of what is relevant in such a guide, a study was undertaken to identify all intoxications and corrosive incidents occurring aboard Danish merchant ships. Methods: A retrospective study of all intoxications and corrosive incidents reported to the Danish Maritime authorities between 1988 and 1996. Results: A total of 177 injuries were identified, of which 66 were systemic poisonings and 111 were due to corrosive damage to the eyes and skin. Thirteen of 66 systemic poisonings were fatal and almost three out of four corrosive injuries involved the eyes. Conclusions: This study and others show that the majority of injuries aboard merchant ships involving dangerous goods are amenable to first aid and symptomatic measures. Specific antidotes seem to have a limited role aboard merchant ships.